The film "Because of Winn-Dixie" is out on DVD, and it's readily available in video stores. But for some consumers, such tales are best in their original form.

For that reason, the novel by Kate DiCamillo was discussed last week by a mother-daughter book group hosted by the Butler Public Library.

Assembled in comfy chairs outside the children's section, girls and their mothers shared their impressions of India Opal Buloni, a pastor's daughter who befriends a dog in the grocery store.

As part of the event, participants discussed the book's colorful characters and the plight of India Opal, a motherless child adapting to a new community.

As an additional activity, the group watched the movie version and also tasted horehound candy, the closest thing imaginable to the fictional Littmus Lozenges, which imparted sweetness as well as sorrow to those who sampled them in the story.

Although the group was established for ages 10 to 14, the meetings usually draw girls in fourth through sixth grade, said Lori Campbell, youth services librarian.

Campbell said she formed the group because little library programming previously existed for girls in that age group.

"I do programming for infants to young adults, 12 months old through 18," she said. "But this was a particular age group we didn't have anything specifically targeting."

Although a book group for boys is equally possible, Campbell said girls in that age group tend to frequent the library — making it a logical place to start.

Since beginning the program in July, meetings have averaged about four mother-daughter pairs. The group's goal is to meet monthly during the school year, with exceptions made during holiday months.

While some participants are regulars, sessions also include first-time attendees.

One such participant, Sue Johnson of Chicora, was part of the group last weekend with her daughter, 11-year-old Laurel.

"I enjoyed it. We both enjoyed it very much," Johnson said.

"She tried to ask questions that would tie into everyday life," Johnson added of topics including how parents would react if the girls brought home a mangy stray, as Opal had done.

"My Mom would probably let me keep it," Laurel said, describing the group discussion as "fun altogether."

Unlike the Johnsons, Denise Miller and her daughter Deanna, also 11, of Center Township have attended every session since the program began in July.

"My daughter Deanna is a voracious reader. She is always reading. … And I love to read too," Miller said. "It's something that we could share: just a one-on-one."

With four daughters, Miller noted quality time with each child is sometimes difficult to achieve.

As well as appreciating the shared time, Deanna said the sessions serve to enrich her overall reading experience.

"I kind of like it because you can have something to read on a rainy day or a snow day," she said. "It's nice.

"I think it's nice to have something to talk about and going to the library and talking about the same book that everybody's reading," she said. "Seeing what other people think of the book — seeing their point of view," she added.

"We hope the group continues to grow, we're really enjoying it," her mother said.

As far as growth is concerned. Campbell said more attendees are always welcome. Groups of 18 or fewer would likely be best for discussion, she added.

"Our groups have been diverse in the fact that we have home schoolers. We have public school (girls), cyber schools students. Then also the girls come from different school districts. It's an opportunity to meet and get to know girls from other areas, as well," Campbell said.

"I think it's a benefit if you have an opportunity to participate in discussion," she said of school and work projects in which group talk becomes necessary later in life. "Hopefully, this gives them a non-threatening environment to do so," she added.

Additional ways in which girls contribute is to help select books to be read. Campbell typically suggests choices, allowing the youths to vote on which seem most interesting.

During last week's session, "The Westing Game," a mystery by Ellen Raskin, was chosen for the next discussion that will take place on Jan. 28. "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett will also be read in the future.

The sessions are free to attend, and Campbell pre-orders books in order to provide them to participants. For more information, call the library at 724-287-1715.